06-16-2020, 02:29 AM
(Joint post with [nation]Lauchenoiria[/nation])
June 15th
Laeralsford
Crown Prince Texōccoatl and Secretary Nōlinyauh, during their time setting up the government in exile, had met with many people, both Xiomerans and foreigners. But this meeting promised to be the most unusual, even more so than the meeting that Texōccoatl had with the Milintican, Karauria.
Watchdogs of Our Earth, the Lauchenoirian activist group, had sent a representative to offer their “services” to the loyalist government. There had been some considerable debate as to what “service” they could possibly offer, and what they might expect in return. But the Crown Prince had decided that the loyalists needed all hands on deck that were willing to help. The CNRR was already pulling together a very odd mix of Shuellian mercenaries, Milintican idealists, Eirian and Legionite agents, assorted Kerlians, Xiomeran reformists and random disgruntled Huenyans. Adding a group of Lauchenoirian climate activists, the Crown Prince reasoned, was no more odd an addition to the group than any of the rest.
A member of the Crown Prince’s security detail announced that the representative from WOE had arrived, and he gestured for them to be shown in.
Reyes Calvo had been chosen to go to Laeral as a diplomatic member of WOE - which wasn't saying much. WOE were known in Lauchenoiria for their direct action and flagrant violations of the law, not for their diplomacy. Reyes had been appointed by his group to speak to politicians many times before back home. A prince was a new one, however. He bet they'd thought it hilarious to send the guy whose name means "kings". In Yervia, they'd gotten rid of their monarchy early and violently. He made a mental note not to mention that as he entered the room and saw the Crown Prince.
"Your majesty, thank you for seeing me," Reyes said, not entirely sure what the protocol was.
"Thank you for coming,” Texōccoatl replied, not sure what title to use and instead opting to be generally polite. “Please have a seat,” he said, gesturing to one of the comfy chairs in front of his desk. Nōlinyauh took a seat of his own to the right of the Crown Prince as Reyes sat down. In the usual Xiomeran fashion, refreshments and a bit of polite, if awkward, conversation commenced before Texōccoatl got to the point. “We are glad that your organization has offered to help us in this effort to restore rightful government in Xiomera. We should probably discuss specifics. What assistance would you be able, or willing, to offer?”
"I know what we must look like to you," Reyes shrugged. "A mismatch of idealistic activists who spend most of our time drinking vegan milkshakes and trying to disrupt coal mine operations. But we can do a lot more than we choose to."
He paused, then looked the Crown Prince in the eyes. "Most of WOE fought in the Lauchenoirian civil war two years ago. They know how to fight, and are willing to do so. We faced capture by Kerlians; we don't fear what your enemies can do for it cannot be worse than that. We are not afraid, we have worked together before, we are still young and strong and that idealism we're criticised for? It can be very helpful in motivating people to fight for what they believe in."
"You make some good points,” Texōccoatl replied. “And I am not one to judge the book by its cover, so to speak. However, your points also raise questions of their own. Since you mention Kerlians, you should be aware that they are our allies. Will your people have issue with that? Also.....since you mention the vegan milkshakes, that brings up another matter, given an incident involving the same.”
Secretary Nōlinyauh chuckled at that remark, which earned him a sidewise look from the Crown Prince before he finally subsided. It took a while.
“Given the past, it is clear that groups such as yours have no particular love for Xiomera. It is therefore reasonable to expect that you will want something in return for your assistance. You’re not mercenaries, so money and violence are not your motivation. What is it, then, that you would expect from us in return for your sacrifice?” Texōccoatl asked.
"The Kerlians are a difficult one, sure," Reyes shrugged. "Some of us are cool with them, some really aren't. They'll fight on the same side but I'd still say maybe keep them apart as much as possible. Some of us didn't exactly come through the war without scars." His voice shook a little, and he had to stop and take a deep breath before continuing. "As for what we want, it's pretty clear, we've kinda broadcast it all across the media."
He took out a folded up leaflet from his pocket, and unfolded it. It was a Climate Alliance leaflet from October, detailing what they wanted for Manauia Island. Biodiversity protected, any construction carried out in an eco-friendly way and with due consideration to climate change, along with a full consultation with - and permission from - residents and native peoples of the island.
"I will be sure to remember your admonition concerning the Kerlians. That part is manageable,” Texōccoatl replied as he took the leaflet and read through it. After a moment, he paused and looked up. “Would you be surprised if I told you that this aligns surprisingly well with many of the plans my mother had for Manauia Island?”
"Those are the surface descriptions of our demands. Should the Teyatia object to any construction, we would ask that you do as they say. And sustainable construction is a much more complex topic than one might think. I can believe that you want to do these things, but seeing them through to the end? Governments can start with the best of intentions, but as projects drag on, corners are cut to protect the budget and so on."
"That is very true. We are willing to have you act as advisors to the Teyatia to make sure that the sustainable guidelines for the project are upheld throughout its construction. And afterwards, because the long term maintenance of the project will be as important as its construction. As for the Teyatia...our intent is that they shall have final say as part of the greater autonomy we had planned as part of existing reforms," Texōccoatl said.
"Should you stick to these plans, we would have no objection. Of course, we need to see that General Xochhuitl and his false emperor don't destroy the island right now. Which is why we want to assist with defending the island," Reyes said. "And that's the other part of our deal: we will defend Manauia Island, but that's the only place we are willing to fight. We don't have that many numbers and as you pointed out earlier, we're not mercenaries. It's there or nowhere."
Texōccoatl kept the polite expression of interest on his face, but inside he was silently laughing. Trust me, I don’t want to send you lot anywhere else in Xiomera. You’d drive everyone crazy, he thought. “That shouldn’t be a problem. I know that the Teyatia would greatly appreciate your help, as would we.”
"Good," Reyes nodded. He was becoming more confident, this had been less intimidating than he'd expected. "Now there is the matter of logistics. Getting to the island and getting supplies. We have some things left over from our own civil war, weapons and such, probably of a poorer quality than you're used to. Getting to the island, though, could be a major problem."
"Transportation should not be an issue. We have been putting together a transport fleet which we plan to escort with our own naval force to ensure there are no problems. We can also provide a bit of an upgrade to your armaments if needed. We have a base of operations in Milintica at which we are assembling our forces. Our recommendation would be for your people to travel there first. We have some Teyatia representatives there who you can speak with prior to your deploying, and you can be outfitted and prepared for transport there.”
"Sure, we can go to Milintica," Reyes agreed. "Provided our own government doesn't try and stop us. They really don't want to take sides in any conflicts right now. We aren't doing anything illegal in Lauchenoirian law but that's no guarantee of anything."
"Perhaps we can figure out a way around that.” Texōccoatl turned to Nōlinyauh, who had a thoughtful expression on his face. “If we have you travel in small groups, or even individually, without any incriminating cargo, and route you through neutral nations, we can avoid Lauchenoirian government scrutiny. If you travel to, say, Eiria or Laeral or some other nation, and don’t acquire tickets to Milintica until you’re in the neutral nation.....it should appear, ideally, as if you’re traveling independently for reasons not related to the conflict,” Nōlinyauh said.
"Should work, as long as they don't take note of the fact a bunch of climate activists are suddenly taking planes," he chuckled a little. "I doubt they'll scrutinise us that hard though, it's Lauchenoiria, not some surveillance state."
"That’s helpful. We could possibly construct some cover story though if needed to explain the departures. Maybe stage some rallies about climate change in the neutral countries before coming to Milintica. That also serves a good purpose for your group in raising awareness in those countries,” Nōlinyauh said.
"Will the Eirians and Laeralites not complain?" Reyes said, though he was grinning at the thought of being able to hold protests around the globe. Perhaps simultaneously, with a shared message... he shook his head slightly to get his thoughts back on track. "Um, that should work for us, though."
"I doubt the Eirians or Laeralites will complain, as long as the rallies don’t stir up any trouble. They’re working with us in any event, so they will understand what we’re doing.” Nōlinyauh smiled and took a sip of tea. Texōccoatl nodded, a grin on his face as well. “This is why I keep you around, you always have good ideas.” Nōlinyauh raised a single eyebrow at the comment, as the Crown Prince turned back to Reyes. “Is there anything else you think we should go over?”
"Is there anything we need to know to prepare? We are aware that this will be incredibly dangerous, but are there any particular dangers we should be aware of, beyond death and the, well, possibility of torture if captured?" He said, wincing a little at the thought.
"A good question.” Texōccoatl handed Reyes a folder in response. “This outlines what you will be facing on Manauia Island, at least as far as our intelligence tells us. We know that the new Governor installed there, Mapilzin, is a real bastard. He’s begun trying to round up the locals into camps, he’s threatening to carpet-bomb the island with defoliants to make it easier for his men to patrol, and he’s taking a very hardline stance on opposition. The island itself has natural dangers, of course - snakes, big cats, tropical diseases, and such to be wary of also. However, the Teyatia will help ensure you steer clear of all of that. They know how to survive on the island, and should be able to make sure you don’t run afoul of anything dangerous. If you stick close to them, and listen to what they tell you, you should be able to handle the natural dangers easily enough. We will also supply any needed medications or treatments while you’re down there. Also, this is the hot and rainy season on the island, so be prepared for that. It may be a very different environment from what you are used to.”
The Crown Prince looked directly at Reyes. “The real danger you will face on Manauia Island is, as it usually is, the people. I doubt you need my advice given your experience, but as a former soldier myself, I’ll give it to you anyway. Stick to hit and run operations, guerrilla warfare. Don’t try to take Mapilzin’s army on head-on, or you’ll be in trouble."
"I doubt we have the numbers to risk taking an army head-on anyway. Thank you for your advice, I will feed back to my people and direct them to travel to Milintica as soon as possible," Reyes said, gripping the folder.
"Thank you for your help, I know the people of Manauia Island and of Xiomera will be very grateful,” Texōccoatl replied, shaking his hand. “If you need anything more, please let us know through our contacts in Milintica.”
After Reyes left the office, Texōccoatl looked at Nōlinyauh. “So....exactly how bad should I feel now that I’ve possibly sent a bunch of activists off to their deaths? Because, frankly, I feel pretty damn bad about it.”
Nōlinyauh looked back at the Crown Prince with an expression of resignation. “If it’s a cause they think is worth dying for, who are we to tell them no? In reality, they don’t need our permission to go to Manauia Island. By accepting their help, and giving them the support they need, we may end up making sure a lot of them don’t die.”
Texōccoatl nodded after a moment. “Let’s hope so. Not just for their sake, but for the people on Manauia Island also."
June 15th
Laeralsford
Crown Prince Texōccoatl and Secretary Nōlinyauh, during their time setting up the government in exile, had met with many people, both Xiomerans and foreigners. But this meeting promised to be the most unusual, even more so than the meeting that Texōccoatl had with the Milintican, Karauria.
Watchdogs of Our Earth, the Lauchenoirian activist group, had sent a representative to offer their “services” to the loyalist government. There had been some considerable debate as to what “service” they could possibly offer, and what they might expect in return. But the Crown Prince had decided that the loyalists needed all hands on deck that were willing to help. The CNRR was already pulling together a very odd mix of Shuellian mercenaries, Milintican idealists, Eirian and Legionite agents, assorted Kerlians, Xiomeran reformists and random disgruntled Huenyans. Adding a group of Lauchenoirian climate activists, the Crown Prince reasoned, was no more odd an addition to the group than any of the rest.
A member of the Crown Prince’s security detail announced that the representative from WOE had arrived, and he gestured for them to be shown in.
Reyes Calvo had been chosen to go to Laeral as a diplomatic member of WOE - which wasn't saying much. WOE were known in Lauchenoiria for their direct action and flagrant violations of the law, not for their diplomacy. Reyes had been appointed by his group to speak to politicians many times before back home. A prince was a new one, however. He bet they'd thought it hilarious to send the guy whose name means "kings". In Yervia, they'd gotten rid of their monarchy early and violently. He made a mental note not to mention that as he entered the room and saw the Crown Prince.
"Your majesty, thank you for seeing me," Reyes said, not entirely sure what the protocol was.
"Thank you for coming,” Texōccoatl replied, not sure what title to use and instead opting to be generally polite. “Please have a seat,” he said, gesturing to one of the comfy chairs in front of his desk. Nōlinyauh took a seat of his own to the right of the Crown Prince as Reyes sat down. In the usual Xiomeran fashion, refreshments and a bit of polite, if awkward, conversation commenced before Texōccoatl got to the point. “We are glad that your organization has offered to help us in this effort to restore rightful government in Xiomera. We should probably discuss specifics. What assistance would you be able, or willing, to offer?”
"I know what we must look like to you," Reyes shrugged. "A mismatch of idealistic activists who spend most of our time drinking vegan milkshakes and trying to disrupt coal mine operations. But we can do a lot more than we choose to."
He paused, then looked the Crown Prince in the eyes. "Most of WOE fought in the Lauchenoirian civil war two years ago. They know how to fight, and are willing to do so. We faced capture by Kerlians; we don't fear what your enemies can do for it cannot be worse than that. We are not afraid, we have worked together before, we are still young and strong and that idealism we're criticised for? It can be very helpful in motivating people to fight for what they believe in."
"You make some good points,” Texōccoatl replied. “And I am not one to judge the book by its cover, so to speak. However, your points also raise questions of their own. Since you mention Kerlians, you should be aware that they are our allies. Will your people have issue with that? Also.....since you mention the vegan milkshakes, that brings up another matter, given an incident involving the same.”
Secretary Nōlinyauh chuckled at that remark, which earned him a sidewise look from the Crown Prince before he finally subsided. It took a while.
“Given the past, it is clear that groups such as yours have no particular love for Xiomera. It is therefore reasonable to expect that you will want something in return for your assistance. You’re not mercenaries, so money and violence are not your motivation. What is it, then, that you would expect from us in return for your sacrifice?” Texōccoatl asked.
"The Kerlians are a difficult one, sure," Reyes shrugged. "Some of us are cool with them, some really aren't. They'll fight on the same side but I'd still say maybe keep them apart as much as possible. Some of us didn't exactly come through the war without scars." His voice shook a little, and he had to stop and take a deep breath before continuing. "As for what we want, it's pretty clear, we've kinda broadcast it all across the media."
He took out a folded up leaflet from his pocket, and unfolded it. It was a Climate Alliance leaflet from October, detailing what they wanted for Manauia Island. Biodiversity protected, any construction carried out in an eco-friendly way and with due consideration to climate change, along with a full consultation with - and permission from - residents and native peoples of the island.
"I will be sure to remember your admonition concerning the Kerlians. That part is manageable,” Texōccoatl replied as he took the leaflet and read through it. After a moment, he paused and looked up. “Would you be surprised if I told you that this aligns surprisingly well with many of the plans my mother had for Manauia Island?”
"Those are the surface descriptions of our demands. Should the Teyatia object to any construction, we would ask that you do as they say. And sustainable construction is a much more complex topic than one might think. I can believe that you want to do these things, but seeing them through to the end? Governments can start with the best of intentions, but as projects drag on, corners are cut to protect the budget and so on."
"That is very true. We are willing to have you act as advisors to the Teyatia to make sure that the sustainable guidelines for the project are upheld throughout its construction. And afterwards, because the long term maintenance of the project will be as important as its construction. As for the Teyatia...our intent is that they shall have final say as part of the greater autonomy we had planned as part of existing reforms," Texōccoatl said.
"Should you stick to these plans, we would have no objection. Of course, we need to see that General Xochhuitl and his false emperor don't destroy the island right now. Which is why we want to assist with defending the island," Reyes said. "And that's the other part of our deal: we will defend Manauia Island, but that's the only place we are willing to fight. We don't have that many numbers and as you pointed out earlier, we're not mercenaries. It's there or nowhere."
Texōccoatl kept the polite expression of interest on his face, but inside he was silently laughing. Trust me, I don’t want to send you lot anywhere else in Xiomera. You’d drive everyone crazy, he thought. “That shouldn’t be a problem. I know that the Teyatia would greatly appreciate your help, as would we.”
"Good," Reyes nodded. He was becoming more confident, this had been less intimidating than he'd expected. "Now there is the matter of logistics. Getting to the island and getting supplies. We have some things left over from our own civil war, weapons and such, probably of a poorer quality than you're used to. Getting to the island, though, could be a major problem."
"Transportation should not be an issue. We have been putting together a transport fleet which we plan to escort with our own naval force to ensure there are no problems. We can also provide a bit of an upgrade to your armaments if needed. We have a base of operations in Milintica at which we are assembling our forces. Our recommendation would be for your people to travel there first. We have some Teyatia representatives there who you can speak with prior to your deploying, and you can be outfitted and prepared for transport there.”
"Sure, we can go to Milintica," Reyes agreed. "Provided our own government doesn't try and stop us. They really don't want to take sides in any conflicts right now. We aren't doing anything illegal in Lauchenoirian law but that's no guarantee of anything."
"Perhaps we can figure out a way around that.” Texōccoatl turned to Nōlinyauh, who had a thoughtful expression on his face. “If we have you travel in small groups, or even individually, without any incriminating cargo, and route you through neutral nations, we can avoid Lauchenoirian government scrutiny. If you travel to, say, Eiria or Laeral or some other nation, and don’t acquire tickets to Milintica until you’re in the neutral nation.....it should appear, ideally, as if you’re traveling independently for reasons not related to the conflict,” Nōlinyauh said.
"Should work, as long as they don't take note of the fact a bunch of climate activists are suddenly taking planes," he chuckled a little. "I doubt they'll scrutinise us that hard though, it's Lauchenoiria, not some surveillance state."
"That’s helpful. We could possibly construct some cover story though if needed to explain the departures. Maybe stage some rallies about climate change in the neutral countries before coming to Milintica. That also serves a good purpose for your group in raising awareness in those countries,” Nōlinyauh said.
"Will the Eirians and Laeralites not complain?" Reyes said, though he was grinning at the thought of being able to hold protests around the globe. Perhaps simultaneously, with a shared message... he shook his head slightly to get his thoughts back on track. "Um, that should work for us, though."
"I doubt the Eirians or Laeralites will complain, as long as the rallies don’t stir up any trouble. They’re working with us in any event, so they will understand what we’re doing.” Nōlinyauh smiled and took a sip of tea. Texōccoatl nodded, a grin on his face as well. “This is why I keep you around, you always have good ideas.” Nōlinyauh raised a single eyebrow at the comment, as the Crown Prince turned back to Reyes. “Is there anything else you think we should go over?”
"Is there anything we need to know to prepare? We are aware that this will be incredibly dangerous, but are there any particular dangers we should be aware of, beyond death and the, well, possibility of torture if captured?" He said, wincing a little at the thought.
"A good question.” Texōccoatl handed Reyes a folder in response. “This outlines what you will be facing on Manauia Island, at least as far as our intelligence tells us. We know that the new Governor installed there, Mapilzin, is a real bastard. He’s begun trying to round up the locals into camps, he’s threatening to carpet-bomb the island with defoliants to make it easier for his men to patrol, and he’s taking a very hardline stance on opposition. The island itself has natural dangers, of course - snakes, big cats, tropical diseases, and such to be wary of also. However, the Teyatia will help ensure you steer clear of all of that. They know how to survive on the island, and should be able to make sure you don’t run afoul of anything dangerous. If you stick close to them, and listen to what they tell you, you should be able to handle the natural dangers easily enough. We will also supply any needed medications or treatments while you’re down there. Also, this is the hot and rainy season on the island, so be prepared for that. It may be a very different environment from what you are used to.”
The Crown Prince looked directly at Reyes. “The real danger you will face on Manauia Island is, as it usually is, the people. I doubt you need my advice given your experience, but as a former soldier myself, I’ll give it to you anyway. Stick to hit and run operations, guerrilla warfare. Don’t try to take Mapilzin’s army on head-on, or you’ll be in trouble."
"I doubt we have the numbers to risk taking an army head-on anyway. Thank you for your advice, I will feed back to my people and direct them to travel to Milintica as soon as possible," Reyes said, gripping the folder.
"Thank you for your help, I know the people of Manauia Island and of Xiomera will be very grateful,” Texōccoatl replied, shaking his hand. “If you need anything more, please let us know through our contacts in Milintica.”
After Reyes left the office, Texōccoatl looked at Nōlinyauh. “So....exactly how bad should I feel now that I’ve possibly sent a bunch of activists off to their deaths? Because, frankly, I feel pretty damn bad about it.”
Nōlinyauh looked back at the Crown Prince with an expression of resignation. “If it’s a cause they think is worth dying for, who are we to tell them no? In reality, they don’t need our permission to go to Manauia Island. By accepting their help, and giving them the support they need, we may end up making sure a lot of them don’t die.”
Texōccoatl nodded after a moment. “Let’s hope so. Not just for their sake, but for the people on Manauia Island also."
<t></t>